Chocolate Pecan Pie with Maker's Mark

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Today is Pi Day, and you can't let that occasion slip by without mentioning Derby Pie. Oh, you know what I mean.

Derby Pie is, of course, a trademark of Louisville's Kern's Kitchen bakery. Every other restaurant, bakery, and home cook in the Bluegrass State has a different name for it: Pegasus Pie, May Day Pie, Run for the Roses Pie, etc. The idea remains. Chocolate chips and nuts. It's pretty delicious, whatever you call it. 

I always opt  for pecans rather than the traditional walnuts, simply because I prefer the flavor. I added a good healthy swig of Maker's Mark because, well, why wouldn't you? For time's sake, I use a pre-made pie crust, but I don't cut corners with the homemade whipped cream. Nobody ever seems to complain about the tradeoff.

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Chocolate Pecan Pie with Maker's Mark:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup pecans or 3/4 cup walnuts
• 9 inch unbaked pie shell

Combine ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir with fork and pour into pie shell. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until browned.